Hey everyone! It's your lad, Galaxy Gaymer!
Gaming is more often than not insanely good for our mental health. Even on the most anxiety-inducing days can be eased if we play certain games, and it really gives us that feeling of achievement to make days easier. So many games can help us experience that feeling, and here are just ten of those games.
Whether it's New Horizons, or any other game from the Animal Crossing franchise, it is truly one of the most relaxing games you can play. Even if real life is filled with stress, you can relax and do things for villagers or upkeep your island, just to make it feel like you have done something. Between the music and the general atmosphere, you can just lose yourself in Animal Crossing.
This won't make sense to everyone, but House Flipper has got to be one of the best games to minimize your thinking while playing. Whether you're cleaning a dirty house, painting walls or redecorating, it just feels so mind numbing in the best way. And the best part by far is cleaning up your own places to sell and continue flipping.
I could not recommend this one enough. Power Wash Simulator is the most stress free game you could play, and all you're doing is cleaning. The sound of everything washing will give you so much seratonin and help you zone out no matter what mood you are in.
I know I'm not the only one who feels this way, but Stardew Valley is one of my go-to games to mellow out to. It's so easy to just relax while playing this game. If you aren't too worried about following the main story, you can easily just spend as long as you want farming and harvesting crops, or doing tasks for the other people in town. This game is only as stressful as you make it.
Calico is the most confoict-free game I have ever played. It's simple, you just have to bake food for you cafe, pat the cute animals, hire the animals to your cafe, and complete simple tasks for the NPCs, it is pure bliss. The music and art style of this game is just so soft and beautiful. I just lose myself in its simplicity every time I replay it.
Gris may be an extremely emotional game, but its beauty is undeniable. The big thing about this game is there is no dialogue whatsoever. This allows the player to truly delve into it, and experience every single part of it as intended. The subtle music and art just allows you to ignore everything else in the world and simply focus on the minimalistic gameplay.
The Stillness of the Wind is such a hidden gem. It follows the story of an elderly person who is just living one day at a time on their small farm. Whether it's a day of cheese making, a day in the garden, or a day of rest, this game is so simplistic and can take you away from your normal life, even if it's just for one simple in-game day.
Pokemon in general may not be everyone's cup of tea, but New Pokemon Snap is a whole new cozy experience. The aim is simple, take pictures of your favourite Pokemon, and use items to get the best possible shot of them. Photography is a known stress relief method, and this game is no different aside from getting to stay at home for it. I highly recommend it to Pokemon fans and photographer lovers alike.
Abzu is one of the most stunning games I have ever experienced. It's essentially a swimming simulator and you just get to enjoy and take in the beautiful sight of the deep ocean. There's something so peaceful about Abzu, and this feeling that no other game could bring.
So imagine Pokemon without the battling, and add some farming and building elements, you now have Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles. This game is such a hidden gem that I only discovered due to recommendations from a friend and I have played it just to relax so many times since. This game is so calming, and I just love exploring the beautiful world and growing my own gardens.
What is a game that you play when your mental health is feeling off? Comment down below! And remember, it's okay to not be okay, and it's okay to accept help and seek out resources when you need.
Have a nice day, and stay safe ❤️
Love, Galaxy Gaymer